Need inspiration !!! & pointers !!!

lovingboy
lovingboy Posts: 1
edited October 2 in Introduce Yourself
Hey FitnessPal,

I'm 22 and I want to lose weight. I was previously at 172 pounds last year, now I'm a little over 203 pounds. I'll appreciate any words of motivation or pointers on how to keep up with a diet. Thanks guys!

Replies

  • A_New_Horizon
    A_New_Horizon Posts: 1,555 Member
    First of all, welcome aboard. You will find amazing people here. Just jump right in. My diaries are open to the public - feel free to take a look. I can tell you that I have been at this almost a year, and have lost 53.2 lbs. I have less than a lb until my goal weight until I change goals. This is very doable, but it is a process. Best of luck to you.
  • Hoppymom
    Hoppymom Posts: 1,158 Member
    Hey! I am new here too but I found the best thing is log your food. Every bite. It keeps you accountable and reveals those hidden calories. Read Labels so you understand portion control and Oh yes. beer etc., counts as food. ::grumble: Welsome to MFP. Best of luck.
  • surfrgrl1
    surfrgrl1 Posts: 1,464 Member
    For me, simple steps seem to make for adopting the best habits. If you eat fast food, start cutting back, for example order a smaller french fry than usual, or don't get the huge regular soda, go for a smaller one. Leave the cheese off the burger, etc. If you are sedentary, make a commitment to get up and do something physical for 10 minutes before you play the video game or watch t.v. Chances are you'll spend more than 10 minutes at it, because you find you actually kind of like it. The main thing is to recognize what things you can change that won't kill you in the process and pat yourself on the back when you resist some temptation.
  • snookumss
    snookumss Posts: 1,451 Member
    Thats how it happened for me too! I gained 45lbs in three years... thats a lot every 12 months I think! The best part of trying to lose weight and sticking to the diet, is that you went to the right website! Try to log on the website at least once a day for ten minutes minimum. Read the forums and your friends pages... its a huge motivator. It keeps you on track... even if you have trouble logging all your food at first, try to stick with it and ALWAYS spend a little time online. You get SO MUCH SUPPORT from everybody here its amazing!

    Stick to it and you will do great :D
  • iwantniceabs
    iwantniceabs Posts: 357 Member
    Trust the numbers - some days I get so discouraged because the weight is not falling off as quickly as I would like, but it you are really tracking all your food and workouts accurately and staying within your given calories, you are going to see the weight come off. Be patient with yourself, and notice/enjoy the little changes - like the first time you pass up buying your favorite junk food, or how strong your legs start to feel, or how your clothes fit differently. Just enjoy it :) Good luck!
  • MochaMixAZ
    MochaMixAZ Posts: 844 Member
    My best advice: MAKE A PLAN!!!! Make sure it has attainable, small, CLEAR steps. Then implement it and stick with it... even if you slip up. Get right back to your plan. Good luck!
  • SmartFunGorgeous
    SmartFunGorgeous Posts: 699 Member
    Welcome! Trust that it will take a while, so that it isn't over night. Also, when you have a question, use the search button on the forums, cause people can be mean! Lol Finally, when you feel like giving up, reach out to your MFPeeps! Read blogs and forums and add people who think like you and who've been successful.

    Good luck!
  • sandhillcrane
    sandhillcrane Posts: 301
    Good for you on getting on this site. It is really helping me. I have met a bunch of great people who help motivate me and I them. I'm no guru but have dieted most of my life. I would be happy to help you anytime! This is the best 'diet ' I have tried because it's easy!
  • schibogwu
    schibogwu Posts: 2
    thanks girl. we will help inspire one another.
  • CaptainMFP
    CaptainMFP Posts: 440 Member
    Welcome and best of luck! My best advice is to be patient as you change your behavior. Here's what I've done this year.

    Month 1 -- focus on reducing calories and sodium; exercise as able but not regularly
    Month 2 -- calories under control; focus on exercising regularly and more intensively
    Month 3 -- exercise and calories under control; focus on hitting daily carb/protein/fat targets.
    Month 4 -- exercise and diet on target; focus on getting protein higher while keeping sodium low

    If I had tried all of this when I had started in April, I'd likely have given up because it would have been too much change too quickly. By working it in phases I've gotten into my best shape since college (am 37 now) and have become a runner. :smile:

    Log everything, be patient, and find a support network. Do these things and success will follow. Cheers!
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